Motorsport | Formula 1

Renault eyeing Kubica return

Polish driver Robert Kubica, absent from Formula One since 2010 through injury, is set to undertake a second test with Renault as he continues his comeback bid.

According to Renault team boss Cyril Abiteboul, the test at the Le Castellet circuit in the south of France will be to ascertain his potential to make a top-level return after a seven-year absence.

"While the first day of testing at Valencia was no more than to let Robert get reacquainted with the feel of driving again, this second test will be to assess his capabilities to return to the highest level of competition," Abiteboul said.

"This is a new phase in his personal and professional journey and we are proud to support him in the form of lending our infrastructure at Paul Ricard that is suitable for professional and non-professional drivers.

"There are still many hurdles for him to overcome and he knows better than anyone else that only his performance will determine if he can one day return to being a professional driver."

Kubica, Poland's first F1 driver who was regarded highly by many observers, lost a part of his right forearm in an accident while rallying in 2011.

After a long comeback fight, he completed a day's testing last month, driving a re-branded 2012 Lotus car.